Container with improved locking ports

ABSTRACT

A corrugated container having a open-ended box and lid for covering the open end, having grip openings on opposed end sides of the box, and grip openings on end panels of the lid that align with the grip openings of the box. A locking port opening disposed adjacent the grip opening of the box and the lid provides means for locking the lid to the box with a strap seal, to prevent tampering and unauthorized lifting of the lid and opening of the contents of the box.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides for containers and lids thereto, and a means forsecuring the lid closed onto the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals and businesses across many industries use containers tostore documents, materials, personal items, memorabilia, and the like. Acommon container for such use is a box having a lid, typically made of acorrugated paperboard or cardboard. Such file boxes are used in thehundreds of millions to hold and store any and all sorts of items thatcan fit within them. Typically, these boxes carry up to forty pounds ormore of materials within them.

In such previously known boxes the standard, slit handles or grips foundin the container portion are well known. Conventional corrugatedpaperboard boxes having a handle opening and a lid have seen few changessince the introduction of that style of box over seventy years ago.

There are numerous circumstances where the use of a container box maywant to prevent or deter other persons from accessing the contents ofthe box, after documents or other articles are placed inside thecontainer box and a lid is placed over the top opening of the container.The contents placed into the box may include documents, articles,devices, or other things, related to a business, medical, personal orlegal matter, that are used in businesses, offices, homes, home offices,and file storage facilities, and which may be of a confidential, secret,sensitive, personal, or private nature. In some circumstances, the usermight want to have such documents, articles, etc. in a container with alid that is securely closed, and locked so that access by unauthorizedpersons is prevented, unless the lock or integrity of the box or lid isbreached using a tool. However, in many situations, the user may want todeter access by an unauthorised person, or to provide some means ofsecuring the lid in a closed position on the box that indicatestampering or breach of the securing means,

When a human user lifts and holds a commonly used and known corrugatedbox with handle or grip openings in the opposed sides, a number ofchanges Immediately occur to that person's body. When the user holdsthat known box (or other containers similar to it) with her armsextended, the top of the box and/or lid of the box will lie at an angle(from horizontal) against the legs or lower torso of the holder. Becausethe box is weighted, the human user's center of gravity is shifted fromher natural position within her body, to a point outside of her body tocompensate for the box's weight. This shift of the user's center ofgravity shifts the user's naturally weighted stance from her heels tothe front of her feet and along her toes. Such orientation can bepainful and is not sustainable over time. This is true because liftingand/or holding a container or box engages muscles in the back, arms,shoulders, torso, core, hips and legs, it also puts the holder in anunbalanced position that can cause slips or rails as a holder holds thebox and moves with it. When the holder's center of gravity is shifted,her body operates instantly to counteract such shift and to support theweight pulling upon the front of her body. Such weight pull iscompensated by most of the user's major muscle groups and in particularthose about her lower back and torso.

There remains a need for an improvement in box containers having a lidfor using one or more grips coupled with the use of weighted items likea box that limits the shift of a box holder's center of gravity when theholder hits and/or holds a weighted item thus relieving undue physicalstress on the holder's muscles and joints, improves the integrity of thesecurement of the lid to the top opening in the container, and reducesunauthorized access to the lid-secured box container,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a locking system for securing a lid onto anopen-topped container, and more particularly a lid onto a corrugatedbox. The locking system includes two, or more, lock openings disposed ineach of a portion of a side panel of the lid and a side wall of the box,through which a locking means is inserted for securing the lid to thebox. In an aspect of the invention one of the lock openings can be agrip opening in the box or lid, and the other lock opening(s) is alocking port.

In an aspect of the invention, the locking port is disposed in a raisedposition, including a position wherein the perimeter of the locking portis intersected by, or is disposed above, a horizontal line passingthrough the geometric center of the box grip opening. In another aspectof the invention, the locking ports are disposed in a raised position,wherein the perimeter of the locking port is positioned to an end of thegrip opening, and substantially above at least fifty percent (50%) ofthe grip perimeter, including above at least seventy five percent (75%)of the grip perimeter.

The invention further provides for a container, including a box with anopen top having a lid, which includes a means for securing the lid tothe box to prevent removal of the lid and access to the contents of thebox. The container box can have grip openings positioned about thecontainer for lifting or holding the container, and one or more lockingports optimally positioned in relationship to the grip openings. Morespecifically, such grip openings and locking ports are constructed tomaintain high structural integrity of the containers, the lids, and thecontainers and lids operating together, as well as to enable a person'sability to lift and hold such containers easily and without significantstrain on a human's body resulting from physical stress of the containeritself and/or a weighted load within the container. The container canalso be any carryable item.

The invention also provides a locking system for securing a lid to acontainer box, the locking system including: a box grip opening disposedthrough an upper portion of an end wall of the box, and a box lockingport having a perimeter, disposed proximate the box grip opening; and alid grip opening disposed through a side panel of the lid, and a lidlocking port having a perimeter, disposed proximate the lid gripopening. In an aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the box lockingport is intersected by, or is disposed above, a horizontal line passingthrough the geometric center of the box grip opening. When the lid ispositioned on the box, the lid grip opening registers with the box gripopening to form a grip through-opening and the lid locking portregisters with the box locking port to form a locking through-port. Oneend of a locking means, such, as a locking strap, can be passed throughthe grip through-opening and the locking through-port, and connected orfixed to the other end including by locking to secure the lid to thebox.

The lid can comprise a top surface that covers the box opening, and afirst side panel for covering the upper portion of the end wall of thebox, and in which the lid grip opening and the lid locking port aredisposed.

The invention also provides a container comprising a box and a lid, thebox comprising a pair of opposed sidewalls, a first end wall comprisingan upper portion having a first grip opening having a geometric centerand a first locking port having a perimeter, an opposed second end wallcomprising an upper portion having a second grip opening having ageometric center and a second locking port having a perimeter, thesidewalls, the first end wall and the second end wall having upper edgesdefining a box top opening, and a floor joined to the bottom edges ofthe sidewalls, the first end wall, and the second end wall, and a lidcomprising a top surface that covers the box opening, a first end panelfor covering the upper portion of the first end wall and having a gripopening that aligns or registers with the first grip opening of thefirst end wall, and a locking port that aligns or registers with thefirst locking port of the first end wall, a second end panel forcovering the upper portion of the second end wall and having a gripopening that aligns or registers with the second grip opening of thesecond end wall, and a locking port that aligns or registers with thesecond locking port of the second end wall.

In an aspect of the invention, the perimeters of the first locking portand the second locking port are intersected by, or are disposed above, ahorizontal line passing through the geometric center of the respectivefirst grip opening and the second grip opening.

In another aspect of the invention, the locking port is intersected bythe horizontal line of the geometric center of the grip opening.

In another aspect of the invention, a horizontal projection of theopening area of the locking port intersects the geometric center of thegrip opening.

In another aspect of the invention, the locking port is disposedvertically above the horizontal axis of the geometric center of the gripopening.

In a further aspect of the invention, a horizontal projection of theopening area of the locking port intersects at least a portion of theupper area of the grip opening.

In another aspect of the invention, a horizontal projection of theopening area of the locking port intersects the uppermost periphery ofthe grip opening.

In still another aspect of the invention, a horizontal projection of theopening area of the locking port is disposed vertically above theuppermost periphery of the grip opening.

In an aspect of the invention, the periphery of the opening area of thelocking port can have a shape that includes circular, oval, elliptical,and polygonal, and wherein a major axis of an oval, elliptical orpolygonal shape can be oriented in any direction, including horizontal,vertical, or any angle therebetween.

In another aspect of the invention, the lid optionally, thoughtypically, includes, a pair of opposed side panels for covering theupper portions of the box sidewalls. The first and second end panels andthe opposed side panels of the lid provide a skirt that extends downwardfrom the top surface of the lid to cover the outer surface of the upperportions of the four contiguous walls of the box.

In another aspect of the invention, the first and second locking portsare formed through the sidewalls of the box, and can include a slit oran opening having a periphery, and is typically a locking port opening.The first and second grip openings in the respective end panels of thebox have a periphery that includes an upper periphery and a lowerperiphery, the periphery (also referred to as a perimeter) defining angrip opening area having a geometric center, a horizontal axis passingthrough the geometric center parallel with the lid that the divides thegrip opening area into an upper area and a lower area, and a verticalaxis.

In another aspect of the invention, the grip opening provides accessthrough a sidewall of the box for the fingers of a user for picking upand lifting the box. The grip opening can have any suitable shape,including but not limited to, oval, rectangular, and trapezoidal, curvedperipheral shapes, and rectalinear peripheral shapes.

In another aspect of the invention, the lid can have a correspondinggrip opening for registration with the grip opening of the box, toprovide access through a side panel of the lid for the fingers of a userfor picking up and lifting the box with the lid positioned over the topopening of the box. The grip opening of the lid typically has acomplementary shape to the grip opening of the box, and likewise canhave any suitable shape, including but not limited to, oval,rectangular, and trapezoidal, curved peripheral shapes, and rectilinearperipheral shapes. The grip opening in the lid can be a complete openingin which the whole periphery of the opening is formed in the side panelof the lid. The lid opening can also be formed into a lower edge of aside panel of the lid, wherein at least the upper periphery portion ofthe grip opening in the lid is formed into a portion of the lower edgeof the side panel of the lid. The upper periphery of the grip opening isdisposed between the lateral-most periphery portions. The upperperiphery can also have a shape that includes linear and curved, andincluding an ergonomically-shaped curve as described herein after.

In another aspect of the invention, the grip opening of the inventioncan be selectively oriented so that a major axis that is horizontal andparallel with the top opening of the box, or is angled from horizontal.The anglature of the grip opening affects the manner of gripping andlifting the container, as described in detail hereinafter. The anglatureof the grip opening also affects the positioning of a locking port asdescribed herein after. The major axis for regular shapes such asrectangles, ovals and ellipses is well known and easily determined. Ingeneral, the major axis of a grip opening can be a straight line thatapproximates the alignment of the fingers of a user's hand when insertedinto the grip opening for gripping and lifting the container, or asotherwise defined herein.

In another aspect of the invention, the angulature of a grip openinghaving an inwardly curved upper periphery can be determined as describedherein.

In an aspect, of the invention, with the lid positioned over the topopening of the box, a locking device is manipulated through both thealigned locking ports of the box and the lid, and the aligned gripopenings of the box and the lid. The locking device can include a straphaving a means for locking one end of the strap to a portion of theother end, such as a cable tie or locking strap.

In another aspect of the invention, the periphery of the locking port isseparated from the periphery of the grip opening by a distance of atleast one-half of the minor axis of the locking port, or a distance ofat least the minor axis of the locking port, and typically not more thanabout 2 inches (5.1 cm), more typically not more than about 1 inch (2.54cm). This distance can be selected to allow a finger of a person usingthe locking port to manipulate a locking strap inserted through thealigned locking ports in the skirt and the end walls, and out throughthe grip openings.

In a further aspect of the invention, the locking port is disposedproximate a lateral-most periphery portion of the grip opening, and moretypically a distance laterally from the lateral-most periphery portionof the grip opening. The lateral-most periphery portion of the gripopening can be the forward-most periphery portion, closer to the firstor forward sidewall of the box, or the near-most periphery portion,closer to the second or near sidewall. The forward (or distal) sidewallis typically that surface of the box that is most forward or far fromthe person when carrying the box. The near (or proximal) sidewall istypically that surface of the box that is most near the person whencarrying the box.

In another aspect of the invention, a locking port can include two ormore locking ports in either or both end walls of the box and end panelsof the lid.

In another aspect of the invention, the lid can be a distinct andseparate element from the box, which can be placed over the top openingof the box and removed from the box. Alternatively, a side panel of thelid can be affixed to an upper portion of a sidewall of the box, or aside edge of the lid can be integral with a sidewall of the box, toprovide the box with a hinged lid.

In another aspect of the invention, the vertical axis of the geometriccenter of the grip openings in the box and lid is disposed along thevertical-lateral, center plane through the end walls, providing a normalor un-biased grip position, with about 50% of the box mass disposedforward or distal of the vertical-lateral center plane, and theremaining 50% of the box mass disposed nearer or proximal of thevertical-lateral center plane (called a 50/50 unbiased position).Alternatively, the vertical axis of the geometric center of the gripopenings in the box and lid can be biased forward of thevertical-lateral center plane, toward the first sidewall of the box,designated the forward or distal sidewall, and the corresponding firstend panel in the lid, designated the forward or distal end panel,providing a biased grip position. So long as grip through-opening isbiased forward in at least about a fifty-one percent to about aforty-nine ratio range, forward bias is achieved. One ratio for forwardbias herein is between about fifty-one to about forty-nine. Preferredratios herein are from about seventy to about thirty, from about sixtyto about forty, and from about eighty to about twenty. Typically, thebiasing can be to a position at least 5% the distance from thevertical-lateral center plane to the forward sidewall, such as at least10%, at least 15%, at least 20% 60/40 forward biased position), at least25%, at least 30%. at least 35%, at least 40% (70/30 forward biasedposition), at least 45%, or at least 50% (75/25 forward biasedposition), and up to 90%, such as up to 85%, up to 80% (90/10 forwardbiased position), up to 75%, up to 70%, up to 65%, up to 60% (80/20forward/biased position), up to 55%, or up to 50% (75/25 forward biasedposition). Typically, a forward bias of between about 55/45 to about65/35, such as 60/40, can be used. The forward-biased grip openings cancause the user's hands, when gripping the grips of the container, toextend snore forwardly (that is, away from the body) as compared to, forexample, the user's gripping of a conventional container or box havinggrips are positioned in a 50/50 unbiased position.

In another aspect of the invention, the box and lid can be made fromcorrugate, including paperboard corrugate and plasticized corrugate,metal, composite materials, plastic, composites of all of the foregoingand nearly any material, suitable for use for forming a container foruse as such, and laminates and composites of any the foregoing and othermaterial suitable for use for forming a container for use as such.Persons of skill in the art are well versed in suitable material types,and the embodiments herein are limited in their material usage.

In a further aspect of the invention, a grip opening in a box and a gripopening in a lid have a periphery that includes an upper orhand-engaging periphery portion, the upper periphery portion has aconcave profile, relative to the grip opening. The upper peripheryportion can be a curved shape, and the curved shape can include aforward inflection point and a near inflection point disposed atopposite ends of the upper periphery portion, that transition,respectively, to a forward end periphery portion and a near endperiphery portion, each of the forward and near end periphery portionshaving a convex profile. The curved upper gripping portion cansubstantially align to the natural curvature of bottom creases where thefingers join the hand when the fingers are inserted into the gripopenings in the end walls of a container. A reference line passingthrough the forward inflection point and the near inflection point formsan upper grip angle relative to the horizontally disposed box and lid.The angle of the upper grip substantially can match the natural angle ofthe wrist when a user's arms are unburdened and at rest. By mimickingthe wrists' natural angled position when at rest, the angled grips ofthe invention serve to cause much less stress to the hands, wrist, armsand upper and lower back when a user lifts, holds or moves with aweighted container or box. The angle of the upper grip can range fromgreater than about zero degrees to up to about ninety degrees from ahorizontal axis, and more typically at least 5 degrees, such as at least10 degrees, at least 15 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 25degrees, and at least 30 degrees, and up to about 45 degrees, such as upto about 40 degrees, up to about 35 degrees, up to about 30 degrees, upto about 25 degrees, and up to about 20 degrees, such as 20 degrees.

In another aspect of the invention, the lid can be a separate lid thatis removable from the top opening of the box and separable therefrom, orcan be a hinged lid that is attached to or integral with a top edge ofone of the sidewalls of the box, and is hingedly attached to andremovable from the top opening of the box.

In a further aspect of the invention, a combination of the angle of theupper grip of the grip opening, the forward bias position of the gripopenings, and the concave curvature of the upper periphery of the gripopening of the grips cooperate to align a user's center of gravityduring when the user's lifting, holding Or moving with the weightedcontainer or box, to a position closer to the user's neutral position.Each feature, operating independently, can provide a benefit, and thecombination of two or more of the features provides an appreciablesynergistic benefit.

In another aspect of the invention, a container item is provided havingat least a pair of grips, comprising: a. a structure having a firstsurface, a second surface positioned oppositely to the first surface, afirst grip positioned about the first surface and a second grippositioned about the second surface, a front surface, a rear surfacepositioned oppositely to the front surface, the front surface and therear surface being perpendicularly connected to the first surface andthe second surface, the structure being movable by use of the first gripand the second grip mechanism; and b. each grip of the at least pair ofgrips are preferably positioned a distance closer to the frontsurface-and a distance away from the rear surface, each grip has: i) acontoured outer portion having a grip perimeter, the contoured outerportion having (a) An upper gripping portion, that provides a preferablycurved—otherwise un-curved—surface upon which at least one finger on ahuman hand may grasp to apply an upward force; and (b) a lower portionpositioned oppositely to the gripping portion; ii) an opening positionedbetween the gripping portion and the lower portion, the openingproviding clearance through which at least one finger on a human handmay grip the upper gripping portion of the grip perimeter; iii) a firstgrip end and a second grip end positioned substantially opposite to thefirst grip end, the first grip end and the second grip end connectingthe upper gripping portion and the lower portion along the gripperimeter of the contoured outer portion; and c. at least one lockingport having a lock port perimeter, said lock port perimeter beingpositioned adjacent to the second end of each grip and each locking portperimeter being positioned substantially above at least fifty percent ofthe grip perimeter, and preferably above at least sixty percent of thegrip perimeter, and more preferably above at least seventy percent ofthe grip perimeter. When the upper gripping portion is curved, itsubstantially aligns to the natural curvature of human fingers when theyhold the container or box by the upper gripping portion of each grip.

As noted hereinabove, each grip of the at least pair of grips arepreferably positioned a distance closer to the front surface of thecontainer and a distance away from the rear surface of the container.Such positioning of the grips is referred to herein as a bias forward ofthe grips on the container. In practice, when a user holds thecontainer, preferably the box, the user's hands are extended moreforwardly than with a, for example, a prior art container or box whichhandles are positioned in a fifty-fifty ratio between the front of thecontainer or box and the back of the container or box.

Preferably, the first grip end of each grip is positioned above orhigher than the second grip end. Such configuration causes the grip tobe angled on the lid and on the container or box. Such anglaturesubstantially matches the natural angle of the wrist when a user's armsare unburdened and at rest. By mimicking the wrists' natural angledposition when at rest, the grips serve to cause much less stress to thehands, wrist, arms and upper and lower back when a user lifts, holds ormoves with a container or box having the angled grips provided herein.

Thus, the combination of the preferred angled grips, the forward bias ofthe angled grips and the preferred curvature of the grips in a preferredembodiment herein, working together, all aid to re-align, a user'scenter of gravity closer to the user's neutral position when the userlifts, holds or moves with the container or box. Each feature, operatingindependently, provide a benefit to a user lifting, holding or movingwith the container or box. However, there are appreciable synergisticeffects when two are more features are combined in a container or boxherein.

In such embodiment, each grip opening used for a container or box, orthe upper grip periphery of the grip opening, can be positioned at anangle ranging from greater than about zero degrees to about ninetydegrees from an x-axis. More preferably, that angle ranges from greaterthan about five degrees to about seventy-five degrees from an x-axis.Most preferably, that angle ranges from greater than about fifteendegrees to about fifty degrees from an x-axis.

An aspect of the invention includes a box comprising all of thefollowing: a. a first panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positionedoppositely to the top edge, a first connecting edge and a secondconnecting edge positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge; b. asecond panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely tothe top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edgepositioned oppositely to the first connecting edge, the second panelbeing attached to the first panel along the first connecting edge of thesecond panel and the second connecting edge of the first panel; c. athird panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely tothe top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edgepositioned oppositely to the first connecting edge, the third panelbeing attached to the second panel along the first connecting edge ofthe third panel and the second connecting edge of the second panel; d. afourth panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely tothe top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edgepositioned oppositely to the first connecting edge, the fourth panelbeing attached to the third panel along the first connecting edge of thefourth panel and the second connecting edge of the third panel, andconnected to the first panel along the second connecting edge of thefourth panel and the first connecting edge of the first panel; e. abottom panel of at least one panel connected to the bottom edges of thefirst panel, the second panel, the third panel and the fourth panel; f.an opening which is the box's inner volume formed from the top edges ofthe first panel, the second panel, the third panel and the fourth panelof the box; and g. at least a pair of grips of the same kind, type andconfiguration as noted hereinabove that have a first grip positionedthrough the first panel of the box and at least one locking port of thekind and type discussed hereinabove positioned through the first panel,and a second grip positioned oppositely to the first grip through thethird panel of the box, and at least one locking port of the kind andtype discussed hereinabove positioned through the third panel of thebox.

In another aspect, the box comprises a lid. The lid comprises a topsurface having a first edge connected to a second edge. The second edgeis connected to a third edge. The third edge is connected to a fourthedge. The fourth edge is connected to the first edge. The lid has askirt extending downwardly from the top surface of the lid. The skirt isconnected to the lid at its first edge, second edge, third edge andfourth edge. The skirt has a first panel connected to the first edge, asecond panel connected to the second edge, a third panel connected tothe third edge and a fourth panel connected to the fourth edge. The lidfurther comprises a first lid grip positioned within the first panel ofthe skirt, and a second lid. grip positioned oppositely to the firstgrip and positioned within the third panel of the skirt. The first gripin the lid aligns with the first grip in the box, and the second grip inthe lid aligns with the second grip in the box when the lid is placedfully onto the box thereby covering the opening or volume of the box.Similarly to the container noted hereinabove, the first grip in the boxis positioned closer to the second connecting edge of the first panel ofthe box (i.e., the front of the box), and the second grip is positionedcloser to the first connecting edge of the third panel of said box(i.e., the front of the box)—hence, the forward biasing of the grips onthe box. Alternatively, the first grip in the box is positionedequidistant between the first connecting edge and the second connectingedge on the first panel of the box, and the second grip is positionedequidistant between the first connecting edge and the second connectingedge on the third panel of the box.

The invention also provides a container comprising a box and a lid, thebox comprising a pair of opposed sidewalls, a first end wall comprisingan upper portion having a first grip opening, an opposed second end wallcomprising an upper portion having a second grip opening, the sidewallsand first and second end walls having upper edges defining a boxopening, and a floor joined to the bottom edges of the sidewalls and endwalls, and a lid comprising a top surface that covers the box opening, afirst end panel for covering the upper portion of the first end wall andhaving a grip opening that aligns with the first grip opening, a secondend panel for covering the upper portion of the second end wall the endpanels and having a grip opening that aligns with the second gripopening. The lid optionally, though typically, includes a pair ofopposed side panels for covering the upper portions of the sidewalls.The upper portion of each end wall of the box has a first locking portand a second locking port disposed adjacent to or proximate the firstlocking port, and separated by a bridging portion. The first lockingport has a diameter or minor axis dimension of at least about a digitwidth, to permit the user to insert a finger into the first locking portto manipulate the locking device through both the first locking port andthe second locking port.

In a second container of the present invention, a container havingimproved locking ports includes a box and a lid for the box, the boxhaving a pair of locking ports through a sidewall of the box, and thelid having a pair of corresponding locking ports through a side panel ofthe lid, for securing the lid to the box. Typically, the containerincludes a box comprising a pair of opposed sidewalls having the lockingports, and a lid comprising a pair of opposed side panels having thelocking ports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that theembodiments set forth herein will be better understood from thefollowing description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, inwhich like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box and lid having a grip opening anda locking port.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1 showing the lid removed from thetop opening of the box.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the lid and box of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the box and lid of FIG. 1,illustrating a strap seal through the grip opening and the locking port.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the strap seal through the grip openingand the locking port through line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A through 6O are plan views of embodiments of a curved gripopening and a locking port.

FIGS. 7A through 7D are side elevation, views of a container box and lidhaving a curved grip opening and a locking port.

FIGS. 8A through 8L are side elevation views of a container box and lidshowing various embodiments of a grip opening and a locking port,including curved, oval, rectangular and trapezoidal grip openings, andthe grip openings oriented both horizontally and angularly.

FIGS. 9A through 9D are side elevation views of a container box and lidhaving the lid grip opening formed in the bottom edge of the lid.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a container box and lid having apair of locking ports in opposed box sidewalls and lid side panels.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a container wherein two locking ports areformed into adjacent sidewalls of the box proximate two opposed corners,and two locking ports through the corresponding adjacent panels of thelid at the same corners.

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of an ergonomic grip opening and a lockingport.

FIG. 13 shows a user holding a container that employs an ergonomic gripopening with a locking port.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a container having a grip opening and locking portin the box, and a hinged lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By the term, “center-of-gravity” if is meant herein that point within oroutside of a human body at which the entire weight of a body may beconsidered to be concentrated.

The term “grip” is defined herein as a fixed or moveable, permanent ortemporary handle or grip, observation, bole or opening, grip or anyother opening or impression that could accommodate one or more figuresof a human hand.

The term “ergonomic grip” is defined herein as a grip or grip system tolessen the stress on the human body and improve the balance of the loadacross the hand and fingers, and the entire body.

The terms “register” when describing the positioning of grip openings inboth the box and the lid, means that the grip opening in the panel ofthe lid substantially coincides with the grip opening in the sidewall ofthe box, so as together to provide a unitary grip through-openingsufficient for inserting the finger or fingers into the ends of the boxfor grasping and lifting the container, and when describing, thepositioning of locking ports in both the box and the panel of the lid,means that the opening of the locking port in the panel of the lidsubstantially coincides with the opening of the locking port in thesidewall of the box, so as together to provide a unitary lockingthrough-port sufficient for inserting the locking means and securing thelid to the box. The term “aligned” with respect to overlapping lockingports and grip openings means “registered”.

By the term “carryable item” it is meant any item regardless ofgeometric configuration that may be carried by a human being.

By the term, “normal position” it is meant herein an axis correspondingto zero degrees.

By the term “horizontal” is meant an orientation, or direction that isparallel with the floor or base of the container box, and typically alsoparallel with the top opening of the container box. By the term“vertical” is meant an orientation or direction that is perpendicular tohorizontal.

By the term “neutral position” it is meant herein that position of astanding, unburdened human in which that human's center of gravity ispositioned within his body.

By the terms “bias forward”, “biased forward” or “biased position” it ismeant herein the position of a grip is moved forward more closely to thefront of container so that the front of the grip is closer to frontpanel than the back of the grip is to rear panel.

A first container with improved locking ports includes a lidded boxhaving a grip opening and a locking port associated with the gripopening for securing the lid to the box.

FIGS. 1 through 4 show a container 5 that including an open-topped box 6and a lid 7. A typical box is a file box of the kind well known bypersons of skill in the art for use in business, offices, home offices,file storage facilities and the like, for file storage and recordkeeping. The box 6 also has grip openings 11 that are biased forwardtoward the box's front panel 16. Lid 7 is shown attached to box 6 andhas corresponding grip openings 13 which can be lined up exactly with,to register with, grip openings 11 in box 6, thereby providing gripthrough-openings or handles through the lid 7 and box 6 together.

The box 6 includes four rectangularly-arranged, continuous sidewalls,including a forward sidewall 16, a near sidewall 18 and opposed endwalls 19 disposed between the forward sidewall and the near sidewall. Afloor 20 is joined to the bottom edges of the four sidewalls. The upperedges of the four sidewalls 16, 18 and 19 define the opening into thebox.

The container 5 having the rectangular lid 7 disposed on the box 6 topopening has handle or grip through-openings 8 and locking through-ports10. The lid 7 has a top surface 15 that registers with and covers thetop opening of the box 6 when the lid 7 is fitted over the box 6. Thelid has opposed side panels 17 that extend downward from the top surface15, to cover the outer surface of the upper portions of the end walls 19of the box. The lid also has forward panel 27 and near panel 28,disposed between the opposed side panels 17. The forward panel 27 andnear panel 28 and the opposed side panels 17 are connected at adjacentside edges at corners to provide a four-sided skirt that extendsdownward from the top surface 15 of the lid 7.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the box 6 has a right-side grip opening 11 inan upper portion of the right side end wall 19, and a left side gripopening 12 in an upper portion of the left side end wall 19. The lid 7has a right-side grip opening 13 in a right side panel 17 of the lid,and a left-side grip opening 14 in a left side panel 17. When the lid 7is placed over the top opening of the box 6, the right-side grip opening13 in the lid aligns with, and preferably registers with, the right-sidegrip opening 11 in the box 6 along or laterally relative to the verticalcenterline Y1 through the right-side end wall 19, and the left-side gripopening 14 in the lid aligns with, and preferably registers with, theleft-side grip opening 12 in the box 6 along or laterally relative tothe vertical line Y2 through the left-side end wall 19. In theillustrated embodiment, the right side and left side grip openings arebiased forward, such that the lateral center point (or geometric centerpoint 9) of the grip openings are biased forward of the true centerY1,Y2 of the box end panels. A preferred distance ratio herein providesfor geometric center point 9 of the grip through-opening 8 to bepositioned at sixty (60) to forty (40) ratio between box near panel 18and box forward panel 16. For example, if the distance from box nearpanel 18 to box front panel 16 is ten inches, and this is merelyexemplary, then center point 9 of the grip through-opening 8, in apreferred embodiment herein, will be positioned six Inches away from boxnear panel 18 and four inches away from box front panel 16. In such biasforward placement of grip through-openings 8, more of the perimeter orperiphery of the grip through-openings 8 is positioned closer to theforward panel 16 than to the near panel 18.

The alignment of right side box grip opening 11 with right side lid gripopening 13, and left side box grip opening 12 with left side lid gripopening 14, enables a user to hold, at the same time and in the samespace, right side box grip opening 11 and right side lid grip opening 13with the user's right hand, and to hold, at the same time and in thesame space, left side box grip opening 12 and left side lid grip opening14 with the user's left hand. A user may therefore hold container 5using all four grip openings 11, 12, 13 and 14 such that the user'shands are positioned through lid 7. This is the preferred holdingposition for container 5.

The locking port can be disposed in an. upper portion of the end wall 19that is covered by end side panel 17 of the lid. In an aspect of theinvention, the locking port is in a raised position relative to thevertically-lowest portion of the periphery of the grip through-opening,or the grip opening in the box or lid. In another aspect, the lockingport is in a lower position relative to the center point 9 of thegrip-through opening, and either vertically below the open area of thegrip opening, or along or outside the upper-more lateral end 11 b of thegrip opening. In another aspect of the invention, the locking port is ina raised position relative to the center point 9 of the gripthrough-opening, and of the grip opening in the box and lid, with atleast some percentage or portion of the perimeter positioned above thecenter point 9. In another aspect of the invention, the locking port isin a raised position with at least seventy-five percent, andalternatively with all, of the perimeter positioned above the centerpoint 9.

A right-side locking port 51 is disposed in an upper portion of theright side end wall 19, and a left side locking port 52 is disposed inan upper portion of the left side end wall 19. A right-side locking port53 is disposed in a right side panel 17 of the lid 7, and a left-sidelocking port 54 is disposed in a left side panel 17. When the lid 7 isproperly placed over the top opening of the box 6, a portion of theright-side locking port 53 in the lid aligns with, and preferably theright-side locking port 53 registers with, the right-side locking port51 in the box 6, and a portion of the left-side locking port 54 in thelid aligns with, and preferably the left-side locking port registerswith, the left-side locking port 52 in the box 6. As shown in FIG. 3,the right-side grip opening 11 and the right-side locking port 51 aredisposed in the end wall 19 of the box 6, and their peripheries areseparated by a bridging portion 22 of a distance sufficient to providestructural integrity of the corrugated material of the end wall 19 andthe side panel 17. Similarly, the right side grip opening 13 and theright side locking port 56 are disposed in the side panel 17 of the lid7, with the peripheries separated by a bridge portion 62.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a strap seal 70 passed through the gripthrough-opening 8 and the locking through-port 10 to secure the sidepanel 17 of the lid 7 to the upper portion of the end wall 19 of the box6. The grip through-opening 8 and the locking through-port 10 providethe container 5 with a means for locking the lid 7 to the box 6,employing a closable or lockable strap, including a strap seal 70. Theseal strap 70 is illustrated as a nylon cable tie (also known as a ziptie) that includes an elongated strap member 71 having a distal end 72and a proximal end 73 with an integrated open housing 74 having aratchet 75. Cable ties are well known and used for numerous securementand tying needs. The cable tie 70 is inserted through the lockingthrough-port and out the grip through-opening (pr visa versa), and thetwo ends of the cable tie 70 are mated and tightened across the bridgingregion 22 between the perimeter of the locking port and the lateral endof the grip opening. The strap member 71 has a rack of teeth 76 alongits length. Pulling the distal end 72 of the cable tie 70 through thehousing 74 and past the ratchet 75, prevents the strap member 71 frombeing pulled back out of the housing 74. The secured strap seal 70encircles the bridging portion 22 in the box and the bridging portion 62in the lid. Typically, loop of the strap seal 70 has to be cut to removethe cable tie and unlock the lid from the box. Cable ties are availablefrom Leco Plastics, Inc. and Avery-Denison.

The cable tie is typically installed by inserting the distal end 72 inthrough the locking through-port 10, and manipulating the distal end 72with a finger out through the larger opening of the grip through-opening8. The distal end 72 is inserted into and pulled through the ratchet ofthe housing 74 until the bop of the strap member 71 encircles securelythe bridge portions 22 and 62.

FIG. 6A shows an outline of a curved grip opening, illustrated as theright grip opening 11 in the box. Grip opening 11 has a perimeter 31. Agrip opening in the lid may have the same or a different configurationas the grip opening in the box. Typically the upper periphery 35 of thebox grip opening 11 is the same shape as, and registers with, the upperperiphery 33 of the lid grip opening 13. Locking port 51 is shown in avertical position relative to a horizontal line X3 passing through thegeometric center point 9 of grip opening 11, near or proximate to thelower-most lateral end 11 a of the grip opening, as also shown in FIG.3. A vertically lower-most point 42 along the periphery 31 has ahorizontal line X1 passing therethrough. A vertically upper-most point41 along the periphery 31 has a horizontal line X4 passing therethrough.A horizontal line X3 passes through the geometric center 9 of the gripopening. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention in FIG. 6A, atleast a portion of the locking port 51 in the box intersects thehorizontal line X3 and the geometric center 39 of the grip opening 11.In the forward-biased positioning of the grip opening 11, the lockingport 51 is disposed near, though not necessarily overlapping, thevertical center line Y1 of the box as shown in FIG. 2. At least somepercentage or portion of perimeter 55 of locking port 51 is disposed,above grip center point 39. At least 10% of perimeter 55 of locking port51 can reside above horizontal line X3, such as about 20% to about 50%,including about 50%, or about 50% to about 80%, or about 80% and up to100%. In another embodiment, at least fifty percent of perimeter 55 oflocking port 51 is positioned vertically above center point 39. Inanother embodiment; at least seventy-five percent of perimeter 55 oflocking port 51 is positioned vertically above center point 39. In yetanother embodiment, substantially all of perimeter 55 of locking port 51is positioned vertically above center point 39.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C and 6D, and FIG. 7A, the lockingport 51 of the box can be disposed proximate the upper-more lateral end11 b of the angular grip opening 11. In the forward-biased positioningof the grip opening 11, the locking port 51 is disposed forward and nearto the forward panel 27 of lid 7. FIG. 6B and FIG. 7A show the lockingport 51 disposed near and laterally outboard of the vertical line Y4that passes through the forward-most position of the periphery 31 of thegrip opening 11. At least some percentage or portion of perimeter 55 oflocking port 51 is disposed above the horizontal line X3 through gripcenter point 39. At least 10% of perimeter 55 of locking port 51 canreside above horizontal line X3, such as about 20% to about 50%, orabout 50% to about 80%, or about 80% and up to 100%. FIG. 6C shows thelocking port 51 disposed above the horizontal line X1, and below thehorizontal line X3 through grip center point 39. FIG. 6D shows thelocking port 51 with at least some portion of the perimeter 55 disposedoverlapping the horizontal line X1 through grip center point 39.

In general, the locking port can be disposed on either side of the gripopening, and in the illustrated embodiment above, adjacent or proximateto the lower-more lateral end 11 a or the upper-more lateral end 11 b.

FIGS. 6E, 6F, 6G and 7B shows an embodiment wherein the locking port 51is disposed vertically above the horizontal line X3 of the grip opening11, and below the horizontal line X4 (passing through the verticallyupper-most point 41 along the periphery 31 of the grip opening). FIG. 6Ealso shows the locking port 51 disposed near or proximate to thelower-more lateral end 11 a of the grip opening, typically laterallyoutboard nearwardly the vertical line Y3 (that passes through thenear-most position of the periphery 31 of the grip opening 11). FIG. 6Fshows the locking port 51 disposed vertically above the grip opening 11,between the vertical lines Y3 and Y4, and between the horizontal linesX3 and X4, This aspect of the invention can typically include a gripopening 11 that is more angled from horizontal between 30-60%. FIG. 6Gand FIG. 7B show the locking port 51 disposed proximate the upper-morelateral end 11 b of the grip opening 11, laterally outboard forwardly ofthe vertical line Y4 (that passes through, the forward-most position ofthe periphery 31 of the grip opening 11).

FIGS. 6H, 6I, 6J and 7C show an embodiment wherein a horizontalprojection of at least a portion of the area of the locking port 51, orany portion of the periphery 55, intersects the horizontal line X4passing through the vertically upper-most point 41 along the periphery31 of the grip opening. FIG. 6H shows the locking port 51 disposed nearor proximate to the lower-more lateral end 11 a of the grip opening,typically laterally outboard of the vertical line Y3. FIG. 6I shows thelocking port 51 disposed between the vertical lines Y3 and Y4, withinthe confines vertically of the grip opening 11. FIG. 6J and FIG. 7C showthe locking port 51 disposed proximate the upper-more lateral end 11 bof the grip opening 11, laterally outboard forwardly of the verticalline Y4.

FIGS. 6K, 6L, 6M, 6N and 7D show an embodiment wherein at least someportion, and typically all, of the periphery 55 of the locking portopening 51 is disposed vertically above the horizontal line X4 passingthrough the vertically upper-most point 41 along the periphery 31 of thegrip opening. FIG. 6K shows at least, a portion of the periphery 55 ofthe locking port 51 disposed laterally outboard nearwardly of thevertical line Y3. FIG. 6M shows the periphery 55 of the locking port 51disposed vertically above the grip opening 11, and typically verticallyabove the horizontal line X4, and between the vertical boundaries of thegrip opening 11 defined by lines Y3 and Y4. FIG. 6N and FIG. 7D show theperiphery 55 of the locking port 51 disposed laterally outboardforwardly of the vertical line Y4.

FIG. 6O shows the locking port 51 disposed below the horizontal line X1,and vertically below the grip opening 11, between the boundaries of thegrip opening 11 defined by lines Y3 and Y4.

The periphery 55 of the area of the locking port 51 in the box can havea shape that includes circular, oval, elliptical, and polygonal, andwherein a major axis of an oval, elliptical or polygonal shape can beoriented in any direction, including horizontal, vertical, or any angletherebetween. The periphery or perimeter of the locking port preferablyavoids angular corners to avoid stress concentration where tears candevelop. The periphery 55 of the locking port is separated from theperiphery 31 of the grip opening 11 by a distance of at least one-halfof the diameter of a circular-shaped locking port, or at least one-halfof a minor axis of a locking port 51, and up to 10 diameters or minoraxis, or more, of the locking port. The distance can be at least thedistance of the diameter or minor axis of the locking port 51, and up tothree diameters or minor axis, including up to two diameters or minoraxis. Typically, the separation distance across bridge portion 22 can beat least about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), and not more than about 3 inches(7.6 cm), more typically not more than about 2 inch (5.1 cm). Thisdistance can be selected to allow a finger of a person using the lockingport to manipulate a locking strap inserted through the aligned lockingports in the skirt and the end walls, and out through the grip openings,as described herein.

Such positioning of locking through-port 10 marks a pronouncedimprovement over an embodiment disclosed and claimed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/441,434, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety. When locking port 51 is positioned belowcenter point 9, and particularly substantially below center point 9,undue stress forces can impact the bridging portion 22 between thelocking port opening 10 and the grip opening 11, which can, under somecircumstances, cause wearing, and ripping or tearing, and thus failure,of the lid 15. Preferably, by placing at least 50% of perimeter 32 oflocking port opening 51 above grip center point 9, the region of lid 22between locking port opening 51 and the lateral edge of grip opening 11is less prone to weakening and failure due to lifting forces on the boxor from compression forces positioned downwardly on the box whenstacked.

Raising of the locking port 51 relative to the center point 39 alsoreduces the required height of the side panels 17 of the lid 7 intowhich the lid-side locking port 53 is formed, thereby reducing containermaterial.

In the embodiments shown and described herein above pertaining to a gripopening and a locking port, the grip opening can be of other shapes,including oval, rectangular and trapezoidal, and oriented at other gripangles, including horizontal.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a container having a grip opening and locking portin the box and a hinged lid. An edge 127 of the lid 7 is integral withto the top edge of the forward side wall 16 to provide a hinged joint 80for pivoting the lid 7 onto and off of the top opening of the box 6. Inthe closed position shown in FIG. 15, the locking port 53 and gripopening 12 in the lid overlap and register with the locking port 51 andgrip opening 11 of the box to form the locking through-port 10 and gripthrough-opening 8. The lid 7 can alternative be hinged to the nearwardsidewall 18.

FIGS. 8A-8L show containers including a box and a lid having a gripopening and a locking port associated with other grip opening shapes,including oval, rectangular, and trapezoidal, at various grip openingangulatures. FIGS. 8A and 8B show including a box 6 having a oval-shapedgrip opening 111 a that has a major axis oriented horizontally, and alocking port 51 disposed along the horizontal line X3 passing throughthe geometric center point of the box grip opening 111 a. A lid 7 has agrip opening 113 a of a similar oval shape and horizontal orientation asthe grip opening 111 a of the box, and a locking port 53 disposed alongthe horizontal line X3 passing through the geometric center point of thelid grip opening 113 a. The locking port can be disposed on the oppositeside of the grip opening, and the grip opening can be biases forwardlyor nearwardly, as needed or desired.

FIGS. 8C and 8D show including a box 6 and lid similar to that shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, where the grip openings 111 b and 113 b are rectangularshaped instead of oval shaped. Likewise, FIGS. 8E and 8F show includinga box 6 and lid similar to that shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, where the gripopenings 111 c and 113 c are trapezoidal shaped instead of oval shaped.

FIGS. 8G and 8H show a box 6 and lid 7 having the oval-shaped gripopenings 111 a and 113 a similarly to those in FIGS. 8A and 8B, exceptthat the grip opening has a major axis oriented at an angle relative tohorizontal, as described early herein. Similarly, FIGS. 8I and 8J show abox 6 and lid 7 having the rectangular-shaped grip openings 111 b and113 b similarly to those in FIGS. 8C and 8D, except that the gripopening has a major axis oriented at an angle relative to horizontal,and FIGS. 8K and 8L show a box 6 and lid 7 having the trapezoidal-shapedgrip openings 111 c and 113 c similar to those in FIGS. 8E and 8F.

FIG. 9A-9D show containers including a box and a lid having a gripopening and a locking port, wherein lid opening is formed into the loweredge of the side panel of the lid, and the upper periphery portion ofthe grip opening in the lid forms a portion of the lower edge of theside panel of the lid. The locking port is shown proximate theupper-more (or right, or forward) lateral end 11 b in FIGS. 9A and 9B,and is shown proximate the lower-more (or left, or near) lateral end 11a in FIGS. 9C and 9D.

A second container with improved locking ports includes a lidded boxhaving a pair of locking port through a sidewall of the box for securingthe lid to the box.

FIG. 10 shows a container of the present invention that includes a boxand a lid that fits over the top opening of the box, and includes atleast two locking ports formed into each of at least one of thesidewalls of the box, and the corresponding panel of the lid. Typicallyanother set of at least two locking ports is formed into the oppositesidewall of the box and its corresponding panel of the lid.

In the illustrated embodiment, a larger locking port 71 is disposed inthe upper portion of the forward sidewall 16 of the box, and a smallerlocking port 72 is disposed near or proximate the larger locking port71. An opposed larger locking port 73 is disposed in the upper portionof the near sidewall 18 of the box, and a smaller locking port 74 isdisposed proximate or near the larger locking port 73. The pairs oflocking ports 71 and 72, and 73 and 74 can be the same size and shape,or different. In the lid 7, a larger locking port 75 is disposed in theforward panel 27, and a smaller locking port 76 is disposed proximate ornear the larger locking port 75. An opposed larger locking port 77 isdisposed in the near panel 28, and a smaller locking port 78 is disposedproximate or near the larger locking port 77. Similarly, the pairs oflarger and smaller locking ports can be disposed in the opposed endwalls 19. The pairs of locking ports 75 and 76, and 77 and 78, can bethe same size and shape, or different. The larger locking ports aretypically sized to permit a finger to reach, inside to manipulate theend of a cable that has been inserted through the smaller locking port,out through the larger locking port. Penetration of the top surface 15of the lid 7 by a locking means, such as a cable tie or other lockingstrap, is avoided, which prevents complications with snagging of thelocking means when containers are stacked one on another, or when otherobjects are stacked or moved thereon.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the second container, whereinat least two locking ports are formed into adjacent sidewalls of the boxproximate two opposed corners, and through the corresponding adjacentpanels of the lid at the same corners. Typically another set of at leasttwo locking ports is formed in. the opposite adjacent sidewalls of thebox and panels of the lid. Specifically as illustrated, first box port81 and second box port 82 are formed into the upper portion of forwardsidewall 16 and adjacent right-side end wall 19, respectively.Corresponding first lid port 83 is formed in the forward panel 27, andsecond lid port 84 in the right-side end panel 17. Similar box and lidports are formed in the opposite corner. The lid ports register with thebox ports to form through-ports (through the lid and the box panels)when the lid is placed into position over the top opening of the box. Acable tie can be inserted through either of the through-ports and outthe other through-port for securing the lid to the box. Penetration ofthe top surface 15 of the lid 7 is avoided to prevent complications withsnagging of the lock means, such as the cable tie) when containers 5 arestacked one on another, or when other objects are stacked or movedthereon.

The second container can have a hinged lid as described and shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 that is attached to either box sidewall 16 or 18, or toan end wall 19.

An edge 127 of the lid 7 is integral with the top edge of the forwardside wall 16 to provide a hinged joint 80 for pivoting the lid 7 ontoand off of the top opening of the box 6. In the closed position shown inFIG. 15, the locking port 53 and grip opening 12 in the lid overlap andregister with the locking port 51 and grip opening 11 of the box to formthe locking through-port 10 and grip through-opening 8. The lid 7 canalternative be hinged to the nearward sidewall 18.

The features of the grip opening illustrated in the container boxes arenow described.

A user holds the container 5 using the grip through openings 8 on theleft and right sides of the container. The through-the-lid holdingposition of container 5 extends the coverage of the lid skirt down thesidewalls of the box, and provides improved lifting and carrying. Byholding the container as described, a user secures both the body of thebox 6 and the lid 7 together, which prevents separation of the lid fromthe box if the container 5 becomes jostled, and reinforces the gripsopening.

Also shown in FIG. 12, the grip opening 11 in a box (and a correspondinggrip opening in the lid) has a periphery 31 that includes an upperperiphery 35 that has a concave profile, relative to the grip opening11, which serves as a gripping surface for the fingers of the hand. Theupper periphery portion 35 extends from an inflection point 45 along theperiphery that transitions to a convex periphery portion 37, to aninflection point 46 along the periphery that transitions to a convexperiphery portion 38. An ergonomically-shaped, concavely profiled upperperiphery portion 35, substantially aligned to the natural curvature ofbottom creases of the finger as described herein, is preferred, althoughother aspects of the invention can be practiced with an upper peripheralportion that is linear or curvilinear. A lower periphery portion 36 isillustrated also as having a concave profile, which extends from aninflection point 47 along the periphery that transitions to the convexperiphery portion 37, to an inflection point 48 along the periphery thattransitions to the convex periphery portion 38. The lower peripheralportion can be linear or curvilinear.

The grip opening has an upper grip angle that can be defined by theslant or slope of the upper periphery portion 36. FIG. 12 shows a gripopening 11 having an upper grip angle θ (theta) defined by a referenceline X5, relative to the horizontally disposed box and lid, that passesthrough the forward inflection point 45 and the near inflection point46. The angle θ of the upper grip substantially matches the naturalangle of the wrist when a user's arms are unburdened and at rest. Bymimicking the wrists' natural angled position when at rest, the angledgrips of the invention serve to cause much less stress to the hands,wrist, arms and upper and lower back when a user lifts, holds or moveswith a weighted container or box. The angle of the upper grip can rangefrom greater than about zero degrees to up to about ninety degrees froma horizontal axis, and more typically at least 5 degrees, such as atleast 10 degrees, at least 15 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 25degrees, and at least 30 degrees, and up to about 45 degrees, such as upto about 40 degrees, up to about 35 degrees, up to about 30 degrees, upto about 25 degrees, and up to about 20 degrees, such as 20 degrees.

FIG. 13 shows a user 40 holding a container 5 that employs an angledergonomic grip opening that is biased forward, as described hereinabove. The user's center of gravity is disposed a small distance D1 fromthe center of gravity of the container 5, resulting from 1) the forwardbias of grip through-opening 8, 2) the curved nature of gripthrough-opening 8, and 3) the tilted angle at which grip through-opening8. The three aforementioned benefits of the illustrated grip opening inthe container operate synergistically to produce less movement of auser's center of gravity when such user is lifting, holding or movingwith container. For example, use of grip through openings 8 forcontainer 5 enables user 40 to retain much more of her weight on theheels of her feet instead toward the front of her feet. The center ofgravity of container 5 shifts backwardly from the center of container 5to the back thereof and toward user 40. Such center of gravity shiftoccurs at least in part because grip through-openings 8 are biasedforward. Also aiding such center of gravity shift is the angledorientation of grip through-openings 8 as discussed previouslyhereinabove, such angled orientation matches or substantially matches auser's natural hand position at rest.

When the human body is in a standing position, such person's arms willhang to the sides of the person. Typically, in a normally functioningbody, a human's hands will turn slightly inward toward the front of thebody at between, about four degrees (4°) to about seven degrees (7°).The angled and curved nature of grip through-openings 8 substantiallymatches that of the human hand at a rest position thus allowing user 40,as shown, to let container 5 extend out at a user's natural arm lengthinstead of user 40 applying an upward force to container 5, as shown inFIG. 13 by user 40 therein. Such application of an upward force by user40 can apply stress to the joints at the wrist, elbow shoulder and backas wed as to all of the connecting muscle, tissue and tendons thereof.Such stress is not preferred and can be greatly alleviated by the newembodiments provided herein. In practice, container 5 with, gripthrough-openings 8 herein may be held by user 40 with the user's armsfully or nearly fully extended with much less physical stress incurredin comparison to that of prior art box 42. In such orientation, lid 15is positioned parallel or substantially parallel with a flat surfaceupon which user 40 is standing. In such orientation of container 5, itscenter of gravity is shifted rearwardly toward human 40 withoutorientating container 5 at an angle whereby lid 7 would no longer beparallel to a flat surface upon which user 40 is standing. Instead, bysuch orientation container 5 may be held and subsequently carried at anorientation in which lid 7 is parallel or substantially parallel with aflat surface upon which user 40 is moving. This is important not onlyfor reasons of correct posture but also because container 5 may nowprovide flat or flattened a carry surface (by use of lid 7) upon whichother similar container 5 (or anything else) can sit and be carried byuser 40 and/or become a carry surface for other non-box items (e.g.,folded clothing, books and the like).

This written description uses illustrated examples to disclose theinvention, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scopeof the invention is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A locking system for securing a lid to a container box,the locking, system including: a box grip opening disposed through anupper portion of an end wall of the box, and a box locking port having aperimeter, disposed proximate the box grip opening; and a lid gripopening disposed through a side panel of the lid, and a lid locking porthaving a perimeter, disposed proximate the lid grip opening, wherein theperimeter of the box locking port is intersected by, or is disposedabove, a horizontal axis passing through a geometric center of the boxgrip opening, and wherein when the lid is positioned on the box, the lidgrip opening registers with the box grip opening to form a gripthrough-opening, and the lid locking port registers with the box lockingport to form a locking through-port; and a locking means configured topass through the grip through-opening and the locking through-port tosecure the lid to the box.
 3. A container comprising a box and a lid,the box. comprising a pair of opposed sidewalls, a first end wallcomprising an upper portion having a first grip opening having ageometric center and a first locking port having a perimeter, an opposedsecond end wall comprising an upper portion having a second grip openinghaving a geometric center and a second locking port having a perimeter,the sidewalls, the first end wall and the second end wall having upperedges defining a box top opening, and a floor joined to the bottom edgesof the sidewalls, the first end wall, and the second end wall, and thelid comprising a top surface that covers the box opening, a first endpanel for covering the upper portion of the first end wall and having agrip opening that aligns with the first grip opening of the first endwall, and a locking port that aligns with the first locking port of thefirst end wall, a second end panel for covering the upper portion of thesecond end wall and having a grip opening that aligns with the secondgrip opening of the second end wall and a locking port that aligns withthe second locking port of the second end wall, wherein the perimetersof the first locking port and the second locking port are intersectedby, or are disposed above, a horizontal axis passing through thegeometric center of the respective first grip opening and the secondgrip opening.
 4. The locking system or container according to claim 2wherein the locking port is disposed vertically above the horizontalaxis of the geometric center of the grip opening.
 5. The locking systemor container according to claim 2 wherein a horizontal projection of thearea of the locking port intersects at least a portion of the upper areaof the grip opening.
 6. The locking system or container according toclaim 2 wherein a horizontal projection of the area of the locking portintersects the uppermost periphery of the grip opening.
 7. The lockingsystem or container according to claim 2 wherein a horizontal projectionof the area of the locking port is disposed vertically above theuppermost periphery of the grip opening.
 8. The locking system orcontainer according to claim 2 wherein the periphery of the area of thelocking port has a shape that is selected from the group consisting ofcircular, oval, elliptical, and polygonal.
 9. The locking system orcontainer according to claim 8 wherein a major axis of an oval,elliptical or polygonal shape can be oriented in any direction,including horizontal, vertical, or any angle therebetween. 10-11.(canceled)
 12. The locking system or container according to claim 3wherein the locking port is disposed vertically above the horizontalaxis of the geometric center of the grip opening.
 13. The locking systemor container according to claim 3 wherein a horizontal projection of thearea of the locking port Intersects at least a portion of the upper areaof the grip opening.
 14. The locking system or container according toclaim 3 wherein a horizontal projection of the area of the locking portintersects the uppermost periphery of the grip opening.
 15. The lockingsystem or container according to claim 3 wherein a horizontal projectionof the area of the locking port is disposed vertically above theuppermost periphery of the grip opening.
 16. The locking system orcontainer according to claim 3 wherein the periphery of the area of thelocking port has a shape that is selected from the group consisting ofcircular, oval, elliptical, and polygonal.
 17. The locking system orcontainer according to claim 16 wherein a major axis of an oval,elliptical or polygonal shape can be oriented in any direction,including horizontal, vertical, or any angle therebetween.
 18. Acontainer comprising a box and a lid, the box comprising a pair ofopposed sidewalls, a first end wall comprising an upper portion having afirst grip opening and a first locking port having a perimeter disposedadjacent to the first grip opening, an opposed second end wallcomprising an upper portion having a second grip opening and a secondlocking port having a perimeter disposed adjacent to the second gripopening, wherein the sidewalls, the first end wall and the second endwall having upper edges defining a box top opening, and a floor joinedto the bottom edges of the sidewalls, the first end wall, and the secondend wall, and the lid comprising a top surface that covers the boxopening, a first end panel for covering the upper portion of the firstend wall and having a grip opening that aligns with the first, gripopening of the first end wall when the lid is secured over the topopening of the box, and a locking port that aligns with the firstlocking port of the first end wall when the lid is secured over the topopening of the box, a second end panel for covering the upper portion ofthe second end wall and having a grip opening that aligns with thesecond grip opening of the second end wall when the lid is secured overthe top opening of the box, and a locking port that aligns with thesecond locking port of the second end wall when the lid is secured overthe top opening of the box.
 19. The container according to claim 18,further including a plurality of locking means configured for insertionthrough each of the first grip opening and the adjacent first lockingport of the box and lid, and the second grip opening and the adjacentsecond locking port of the box and lid, to secure the lid to the box.20. The container according to claim 18, wherein the locking meanscomprises a cable tie.